Browns - Don't Trade Up!

[StanfordLaw]

My thoughts on trading up

[JCOSU86]

Those are some pretty convincing arguments. Especially the "page cannot be displayed" one.

[sears3820]

lol

You convinced me LawDawg.

[sears3820]

Hey Stanford, how many threads are you going to start on this very topic?

Here's what our Stanford friend was linking to:

Message to the Browns - Please Don't Trade Up
The Beacon Journal is reporting that the Browns might trade up and grab the number one pick to draft the top offensive lineman - Robert Gallery. I haven't followed the draft this closely, but unless the Browns are sure, really sure, know without a doubt that this guy is going to be a stud off the bat, this would not be a good move. Trading up means we are going to have to pay a ransom of players and other picks that we desperately need. Additionally, for a number one or two pick, the salary demands are sure to bust our cap for the next few years, and to add insult to injury there is also the fact that we are dealing with the draft projection of talent here. We all remember Couch, Courtney Brown, Warren. Those players were supposed to be the real deals, mostly they just cost us salary cap room.

While I commend the Browns on finally deciding the last two years to invest in their woeful offensive line, desperation often breeds rash and ill advised moves when it comes to talent acquisition. I hope the Browns don't make one.

[JCOSU86]

whew...for a minute I thought I'd "snooze and lose" again!

[ashlandbuck]

The signing of a 34 year old QB should tell us that the Browns are starting over.
They didn't sign Garcia to take them to a super Bowl. They signed him to keep fan interest up while he plays and grooms the QB of the future.
Ben Roethlesberger(sp?).
This team is clearly starting over. A team starting over or even an expansion team usually begins that building process with a franchise type Qb. That is if one is available to them. Big Ben should be available with the #7 pick and I think he will be a great NFL Qb. He's a physical speciman that has a gun for an arm.
Then in the next two years as the Browns play Garcia, they can continue to address the offensive line via draft and free agency. Ben begins the '06 season as the starter and he will have a quality rebuilt line around center Jeff Faine.
Butch will be given the time to rebuild. That is why the front office gave him a new contract. Butch convinced them to allow him to dump Couch and begin a new building program that will take three years to develope strong playoff team.

[sears3820]

Big Ben is projected to drop that low? Or are you talking about the Browns trading up?

[ashlandbuck]

Chargers- Manning
Raiders- Mike Williams
Cardinals- Larry Fitzgerald
Giants- Gallery
Redskins- S. Taylor
Lions- Winslow
Brwons- Roethlisberger

This is just a guess.
The Chargers won't be able to live with themselves if they don't pick Manning.
The Raiders need WR's desperately
The Cardinals are willing to give Mcnown a chance after strong late season performance. They can't pass on this WR to team up with last years best rookie WR.
The Giants run game was horrible last year. Their current left tackle has played the right side and will make room for Gallery.
The Redskins need a lot of help defensively and Gibbs is a defensive guy that gave up a defensive player to obtain the RB he needed.
The Lions defense is pretty darn good and their QB situation is set. They need another play maker on offense. They Could also trade down to someone like Denver who wants Winslow and grab a running back in Denver' spot.
With Gallery gone as well as Taylor, this leaves Ben to fill their needs for years to come.
Also, If Garcia does go down for an extended period of time they will want something other than Kelly Holcomb. They'll push Roethlisberger into a starting spot before they hand the team to Holcomb.